Gayle, Kohli sink NSW

Bangalore -

Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli struck half-centuries to send Bangalore Royal Challengers into the final of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament with a six-wicket victory over former champion New South Wales on Friday.

West Indian left-hander Gayle struck a 41-ball 92 and India batsman Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 84 to guide Bangalore to 204-4 in 18.3 overs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. David Warner had earlier lashed a second successive century (123 not out) to lead NSW to an intimidating 203-2 in 20 overs.

Gayle set up Bangalore's spectacular chase, smashing eight sixes and as many fours. The opener helped Bangalore race to 100 in just 8.4 overs as he put on 141 for the second wicket with Kohli.

NSW pace bowler Pat Cummins, who finished with four wickets, put the brakes on Bangalore when he dismissed Gayle and new batsman Saurabh Tiwary off successive deliveries with the home team needing 42 from 37 deliveries. He also had Mayank Agarwal caught in his following over.

However, Kohli hit two fours and a six off left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc and Mohammad Kaif brought up the victory with two boundaries off spinner Steven Smith.

Kohli completed his second straight 50 as Bangalore chased down 200-plus targets in successive games, following their final-ball victory over South Australia Redbacks in the previous game.

"Virat was brilliant, Gayle was awesome. We tried different lengths, different paces, it was a big learning experience for the young bowlers, probably a couple of dropped catches cost us today," NSW skipper Simon Katich said.

For NSW, left-handed opener Warner lashed 11 sixes and six fours to put the team in a commanding position after being put in to bat.

Warner's whirlwind knock came off just 68 balls after his unbeaten 135 in the previous game shut the door on defending champion Chennai Super Kings. Warner put on 146 for the second wicket with Daniel Smith, who reached his maiden Twenty20 fifty (62) with a six off pacer Raju Bhatkal.

Warner smashed 23 runs in the final over of the innings by pacer Sreenath Aravind with two sixes and as many fours to take the score past 200.

Mumbai Indians meet qualifier Somerset in the other semifinal in Chennai on Saturday.

Scores:

Bangalore Royal Challengers 204-4 in 18.3 overs (Chris Gayle 92, Virat Kohli 84 not out, Pat Cummins 4-45) beat New South Wales 203-2 in 20 overs (David Warner 123 not out, Daniel Smith 62).